It is not about enforcing apologies and actions aimed at appeasement regarding Volhynia’s crime; it’s about the process of understanding and education – this is something we will work on together with Ukraine, I hope – Deputy Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Paweł Jabłoński said on Radio Zet.
Statements by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador of Ukraine
The subject of the conversation included the statement of the Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Zwarycz in response to the statement of the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Łukasz Jasina. Jasina was asked in an interview with Onet.pl in connection with the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Volhynia massacre whether the Ukrainian president should apologize for the events of the 1940s.
The Ukrainian state did not do this, but President Zelensky, as Ukraine, should take more responsibility
– replied the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ukrainian ambassador to Poland responded to the words of the MFA spokesperson: “Any attempt to impose on the President of Ukraine or Ukraine what we should do in relation to our common past is unacceptable and regrettable. We remember the history, we are ready for dialogue and mutual understanding, and at the same time we call for respect and caution in statements, especially in the complex reality of the genocidal Russian aggression against the Ukrainian nation,” the Ukrainian ambassador wrote in a statement. . sent to Onet; He also posted a similar statement on Twitter.
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“Something that shouldn’t happen”
Jabłoński was asked about these statements by the ambassador on Monday morning.
Certainly, all this Polish-Ukrainian exchange over the past few days is something that should not have happened. I think especially the way it happened, the emotions that built up – it just didn’t make sense
the politician judged.
I want to emphasize: from the point of view of the Polish government, the issue of crime in Volhynia is definitely one of the priorities; we must ensure that the victims are properly commemorated, so that investigations, excavations also take place … This is something that we will – I hope – take step by step with Ukraine
– added.
Volhynia and support for Ukraine
When asked if he wanted to link the issue of Volhynia with Ukraine’s support, Jabłoński noted that “Ukraine is in a situation where it is existentially threatened by Russia.”
We have decided to help Ukraine for many reasons – interpersonal solidarity, for humanitarian reasons, but also in our own interest – because Ukraine, defending itself, also defends us, drives us away, pushes this aggression away from us in space and time.
– emphasized Paweł Jabłoński on ZET radio.
“It’s not that anyone wants to force anything.”
Referring to Ambassador Zwarycz’s entry, Jabłoński pointed out that it “is not the right form of communication”. The deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that he regularly exchanges messages with the Ukrainian diplomat – including on this topic.
I have shared my comments with him. I wouldn’t say it was busy. I try to talk to someone who has a different perspective on things related to history or our relationship and explain how it was received. I hope this level of understanding will be greater. I think the very fact that the ambassador posted a different message the next day shows that the process may be moving in a different direction
said the secretary of state.
It’s not about trying to force anything. On the contrary, forced apologies or forced attempts at reconciliation don’t really have the same value as those achieved through a process of understanding, education… that’s what we’re going to work on.
– noted the deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
When asked whether the words of the MFA spokesperson reflect the position of the government and the president, Deputy Minister Jabłoński explained that “the basic postulate is to cooperate with Ukraine to ensure that the crime in Volhynia and the victims to be remembered”.
That our society, our nations – including the young generation, who unfortunately often know little about these crimes, because many Ukrainians have not learned about these crimes – that things are changing, that we are working on it. It’s not about forcing someone to do something
– added Jabłoński, pointing out that Polish-Ukrainian relations should not be reduced to historical issues, because “the security issue is much more important today”.
wkt/PAP/Radio Zet
Source: wPolityce